GALASSO-VIGORITO: Your impossibilities can become God's opportunities

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Are you struggling with uncertainties, doubts or fears? Is your heart heavy and burdened? Perhaps a dream of yours fell apart. Maybe you’ve been unjustly hurt. Factors could be weighing against you. And now, when you look out into life’s horizon, all that you may see are impossibilities.

At times, there seems to be no logical solutions to what we face. There can be instances when we might let out a sigh and ask, “God, where are you leading me?” and… “This just doesn’t make sense.”

Yet, I read in the Bible how God led the Israelites by way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. It looked as if God were confused. It didn’t seem right, for he guided the people around in a large circle. Then, as the people camped at the edge of the Red Sea, they noticed that the mountains were on one side, and the sea was on the other side of them.

Thenceforth, the Israelites saw Pharaoh’s soldiers in the distance and they were charging toward them. Life certainly didn’t turn out as the Israelites had planned or wanted. It appeared as though they were trapped with no apparent way out. Distraught and terrified, the people cried out to Moses, “What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? … For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” (Exodus 14:10-12).

But, Moses trusted God during this impossible time. He didn’t get upset, give up or give in to desperation. Rather, Moses steered the people’s attention to God and calmly said:

? Do not be afraid.

? Stand firm.

? And you will see the deliverance of the Lord.

? The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent. (Exodus 14:13-14).

God then told Moses to tell the people of Israel to go forward. Moses lifted up his staff and stretched out his hand over the sea and divided it. God dramatically caused a strong wind to blow. The waters parted. And the people walked on the sea floor, on dry ground, safely to the other side.

Similar to the Israelites, sometimes you can be put into a temporary, yet difficult, place or a seemingly impossible circumstance. However, what looked like a mess for the Israelites, God turned into a mighty miracle, and today he can do the same for you.

And so, trust him even though things don’t make complete sense to you at the moment. God has a plan for you and is working a miracle in the midst of your biggest challenge.

No matter what difficulties you may be facing, God is guiding you and repositioning you, as you enter into a new place of blessings. That setback, that disappointment, that unfair situation didn’t change who you are or stop God’s magnificent purpose for your future. This is not the end. It is a new beginning. So, go forward, take steps ahead, and know that “God has planned something better. . .” for you. (Hebrews 11:40). And he promised to “repay two blessings for each of your troubles.” (Zechariah 9:12).

A while ago, I received a kind letter from a reader, “You do not know me, but I feel like I need to say, ‘Thank You’ to you for your beautiful words of inspiration.”

She explained that her husband unjustly lost his long-standing job, and she spent many days in a pool of tears, thinking that she could not bear the weight of it all anymore. “I would think about your words, and found them so inspirational. It seemed as if you knew what our troubles were and you were speaking directly to me,” she wrote.

“I began cutting out your articles and posting them up. They kept me sane. They kept me grounded and humble. And kept me believing that God has a plan and if I was patient and focused on taking care of my family, my husband would eventually start working again.”

Although this reader and her husband were challenged, she told that they developed newfound strength and trust in God. They recognized that this impossibility that they were confronted with, could become God’s opportunity. So the couple focused on their blessings and persevered, while awaiting God’s direction and deliverance.

At the end of her letter, this reader explained that not only did her husband find a new job with better benefits, but his office was close to their home. Now, he could spend more quality time with her and their young children.

Thus, refuse to be stopped by a challenging situation. For, shortly you’re going to see things positively change. Out of the blue, a dream will come to pass. Suddenly, you’ll be completely well. Unexpectedly, you’ll meet that special person.

All at once, God’s grace will be lavishly poured out upon you, and a new opportunity will emerge. Therefore, stay the course. Your time of success is coming. For very soon, you will see the spectacular miracles of God’s intervention in your life.

Recently, in the news there was a story about a bus driver. His bus broke down along the roadside. As he was trying to repair the bus, three armed robbers approached him. There was a struggle, and the bus driver was shot three times; once in the leg, and two in his chest.

However, in the bus driver’s front shirt pocket was his Bible. The pair of bullets lodged themselves into his copy of “The Message” Bible and miraculously, his life was saved. Later, the police sergeant told reporters, “There was obviously some kind of intervention involved…”

So dear readers, let peace rule in your heart. Rest confidently, knowing that God is taking care of you, protecting you and will intercede and bring about deliverance. Let go of the scars of yesterday and be on the lookout for the great joys and blessings that lie ahead.

Wipe the sand from your feet and move onward. God will be right next to you, walking with you to victory.

Catherine Galasso-Vigorito is a syndicated columnist. Email her at cgv@anewyouworldwide. To order a copy of her new book, “The Open Window, 8 Weeks to Creating an Extraordinary Life,” visit www.anewyouworldwide.com